About the project
A clearer way to revise a very short poem
Haiku Checker is a free learning tool for poets, students, and teachers who want transparent syllable feedback without surrendering judgment to an algorithm.
What we built
The checker runs in the browser and shows a count for each word and each line. Unlike a simple pass-or-fail validator, it identifies commonly variable pronunciations and lets the writer change any estimate. It supports 5-7-5, 3-5-3, and unrestricted counting.
What the tool cannot decide
No counter can determine whether an image feels fresh, whether a pause creates resonance, or whether a pronunciation sounds natural in every accent. The result is a revision aid. The final authority is the intended spoken poem.
Why the learning library exists
A correct syllable total is not a complete haiku. Our guides connect counting with observation, seasonal language, the cut, lineation, and the differences between Japanese and English practice. Each article is written for the specific question in its title and links to the next useful topic.
How to begin
Paste a poem into the haiku checker, inspect the word-by-word result, and then read the draft aloud. If you are starting from a blank page, use the step-by-step writing guide.